Enjoying the high life, up on the roof in Tel Aviv

When it comes to the high life in Tel Aviv, residents of the Mediterranean metropolis need look no further than their own rooftops.

With space always tight in Israel's fast-paced economic and entertainment capital, rooftops have been transformed into retreats with thriving outdoor gardens, restaurants, yoga, art and music studios, spaces for krav maga martial arts classes and even guest houses.

18 Nov 2017. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern

Hana Wimberly, 26, turned her barren, cement rooftop into her own outdoor haven with just a few mix matched chairs, a couch and a wooden table.

"For more than anything it's a place for me to feel very connected to the city," she said. "Tel Aviv, as much as there is to do, going to a bar and spending 50 shekels ($15 USD) on a drink gets exhausting."

Her lifestyle also connects her and her family to their past: her grandmother had a similar rooftop salon in Tel Aviv.

13 Nov 2017. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern

Iyar Semel, a 38-year-old musician, planted an organic garden on his rooftop, with compost, vegetables, fruit trees and a shower. It all allows him to merge his ecological lifestyle with the restraints of urban space.

24 Nov 2017. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern

For Guy Elhadad, 26, his rooftop is his creative incubator, "where we can do whatever we want because we don't need the approval of others".

He and two roommates host yoga, music and art sessions there and built a spare sleeping place for people passing through. Elhadad said he loves Tel Aviv and through his rooftop can help make it bloom.

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Slideshow

19 Oct 2017. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern

People participate in a yoga class on the rooftop of Tel Aviv municipality building.

14 Oct 2017. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern

People socialise on the rooftop of the Brown Hotel, which serves as a bar and event venue.

10 Nov 2017. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern

Children prepare drinks in a bar on the rooftop of an Armenian-Christian family who has been living in the same house since 1945.

24 Nov 2017. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern

Emanuel Cohen, 36, takes a shower on his rooftop, which he also uses as a small garden to grow herbs and vegetables.

28 Nov 2017. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern

Alexander Flaschenberg, 60, sits on a chair placed on top of a table, in order to enjoy view of the sea. The rooftop is a personal haven for Alexander, giving him an opportunity to unwind from work.

20 Nov 2017. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern

Arieh Ramot (left) and Orna Ramot sit on their rooftop and watch peacocks that often find their way to the roof after being fed by a neighbour.

10 Nov 2017. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern

Aviah Morag, 25, sunbathes on his rooftop which is equipped with a small pool, a shower and deck chairs.

11 Oct 2017. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern

People bathe in the swimming pool of an entertainment park on the rooftop of the Azrieli mall.

29 Nov 2017. Givatayim, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern

Instructors Doron Turgeman (left), 35, and Michael Alimelech, 26, train on the rooftop of the building in which they give courses, as part of their krav maga.

22 Nov 2017. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern

Maayan Saidi, 28, smokes a cigarette on her rooftop.

7 Jan 2018. Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters/Corinna Kern

Israeli soldiers prepare for a parade in front of the master-sergeant who is checking their appearance, on the rooftop of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Galgalatz radio station.